Advice for landlords and agents
The information in the following pages applies to all landlords and agents. It covers the key legal requirements for renting properties, as well as advice and good practice.
Government guidance
We recommend all current and prospective landlords read the government's How to let guide.
Landlords and tenants should be aware of their rights and responsibilities and the housing 'how to' guides:
- How to rent – landlords should provide this to all new and renewing tenants.
- How to rent a safe home – a guide for current and prospective tenants
Consumer group Which? have created an interactive How to Become a Landlord flowchart. It is a step-by-step guide covering everything required to become a landlord, from finding the right property, to knowing your legal responsibilities, to how to handle tenants and be a 'good' landlord.
Resident landlords are advised to read the government's guide to letting rooms in your home.
Advisory visits
We offer advice visits for landlords if you are thinking of renting out your home or investing in a rental property. One of our experienced officers can meet you onsite, discuss your plans and options, and afterwards provide a report with recommendations to help you meet your legal responsibilities.
Cherwell Landlords' Forum
The Cherwell Landlords’ Forum provides an opportunity for landlords and agents to meet, share information and exchange views. It also allows us to keep landlords up-to-date about what we're doing and to pass on a range of useful information. Meetings typically take the form of two or three presentations and shorter updates, but we have also held workshops and question-and-answer sessions.
The Forum is held twice each year, usually from 6:30 to 8:30pm at our offices in Bodicote. You don't need to book a place although this does help us plan for the events. Attendance, parking and light refreshments are all free. Email: bondscheme@cherwell-dc.gov.uk if you would like to receive invitations to the Cherwell Landlords' Forum.
The Cherwell Landlord newsletter
We also publish a landlords’ newsletter, 'The Cherwell Landlord', twice a year in-between forum dates. The newsletter gives you updates on the key changes affecting the private rented sector and other useful information. We circulate the newsletter to landlords and agents on our mailing list and is also available online. Email bondscheme@cherwell-dc.gov.uk if you would like to receive the Cherwell Landlord newsletter.